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NTSB Report
June 30, 1989 · Robinson R-22A · N8462S
Southampton, MA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 30, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Southampton, MA
Aircraft
Robinson R-22A
Tail Number
N8462S
Operator
David S Robinson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC89LA139
THE PILOT SAID HE HEARD A NOISE AND THEN THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER YAWED TO THE RIGHT. WITNESSES SAID THEY SAW PIECES FALL FROM THE HELICOPTER AS IT CAME DOWN AND PART OF THE VERTICAL STABILIZER WITH THE TAIL SKID WAS FOUND HALF A MILE AWAY. THE PILOT ENTERED AUTOROTATION AND ATTEMPTED TO KEEP THE SKIDS LEVEL. THE AIRCRAFT WENT DOWN INTO THE TREES, HIT THE GROUND AND ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE. AN UNAUTHORIZED REPAIR ON THE VERTICAL STABILIZER FAILED ALLOWING THE PIECE TO HIT THE TAILROTOR AND CAUSED A LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER MAINTENANCE WHICH RESULTED IN A SECTION OF THE VERTICAL STABILIZER FAILING INFLIGHT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT SAID HE HEARD A NOISE AND THEN THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER YAWED TO THE RIGHT. WITNESSES SAID THEY SAW PIECES FALL FROM THE HELICOPTER AS IT CAME DOWN AND PART OF THE VERTICAL STABILIZER WITH THE TAIL SKID WAS FOUND HALF A MILE AWAY. THE PILOT ENTERED AUTOROTATION AND ATTEMPTED TO KEEP THE SKIDS LEVEL. THE AIRCRAFT WENT DOWN INTO THE TREES, HIT THE GROUND AND ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE. AN UNAUTHORIZED REPAIR ON THE VERTICAL STABILIZER FAILED ALLOWING THE PIECE TO HIT THE TAILROTOR AND CAUSED A LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R-22A
Tail NumberN8462S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid S Robinson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2C · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO